Royfanthomehttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com
Strong Feelings on Social Issues, Spirituality and poetryTue, 26 Sep 2017 13:56:19 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngRoyfanthomehttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com
The “Amoris Laetitia Debatehttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/the-amoris-laetitia-debate/
https://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/the-amoris-laetitia-debate/#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 13:52:56 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=219Continue reading The “Amoris Laetitia Debate]]>Dave Andrews (Ref Patheos, 24 Sep), respectfully, I do feel that for an apologist you do protest too much. I do not have the learning of the authors of the troublesome “Dubai”; nor that of the theologians, scholars, journalists, and faithful of various social strata proposing correct interpretations of the Pope’s exhortation on family values. But, as a simple Catholic who wants to develop his spirituality round “Amoris Laetitia” and “Laudato Si”, I find the storm a bit enigmatic.

I admit I am no fan of our anachronistic structure that promotes egotistical self indulgence, power and privilege. The authors, as I understand from the summary given in the “National Catholic Register”, are vexed by potentials of “divisions” or “conflict”, posed by the Pope’s expressed opinions on broken families. Strongly, in the interests of “justice and charity”, care for the “Universal Church”, and “according to a progressive/conservative paradigm” (whatever that means), they make, what they want us to believe is a filial correction. With, I might add, a bit of pressure through the media demanding a please explain from the Pontiff.

The prelates are wrong in their assertion to be acting as pastors. As pastors their duty lies in leading their flock, playing a nurturing role in caring for the flock’s spiritual needs; guiding them in the merits of dogma and Church values and practices. Nothing in the “Dubai” suggests spiritual considerations. Obviously, prayer and appeals to the Holy Spirit were absent. Priests and prelates are not paid for their personal opinions. When it comes to personal beliefs we are all equal. So. When the authors have been through their rhetorical maneuvering, we end up with a rather paradoxical situation; briefly, “(the Pope’s words) can be read in continuity with previous magisterium and do not contain a modification in the Church’s practice and teaching”. I believe that means that the Pope’s exhortation does not contradict Catholic Catechism. So, one questions the motivation.

Then we come to the part where journalists are miffed because the Pope has not offered a “please explain”. Here I salute the wisdom of Pope Francis. For, any “clarification” would amount to putting forward a different view- the very division the prelates wished to avoid. In our Pop culture, so used to instant gratification, Pop Catholics too expect instant solutions and gratification. The way of The Spirit is different. The Pope’s silence speaks louder than words. Time is providing answers (though maybe in an obtuse way). How do the Prelates respond to the LGBT question? In their response they will have the Pope’s answer. With a little more patience the future will be revealed in the forthcoming Synod. The Pope I feel will be vindicated. Those who made judgements on authority might find themselves being judged by their followers.

Filed under: Spirituality]]>https://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/the-amoris-laetitia-debate/feed/0royfanthomeWorrying Thing About Warhttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/worrying-thing-about-war/
Mon, 04 Sep 2017 03:51:03 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=166Continue reading Worrying Thing About War]]>Struggling to contain the toey dogs of war, the world awaits in apprehension. Allies, half a globe away (comatosed by post colonial inertia), see familiar clouds gathering on the horizon, reminiscent of times when they went to policing and peace keeping missions all over Asia. The crusade is still inspired by the spirit of democracy. Democracy, seen by some as panacea for all our woes. But, while they peddle their opiates around the world, they seem indifferent to the millions staving at their door-steps. They are blind to the inequalities and squalor in the shanty towns across the globe. In their comforts they seem resigned to the destruction of our planet and its ecosystems. All too hard, and someone else’s problems. Am I my brother’s keeper? Detachment indeed!
Why don’t these prophets, newly inspired, first attend to their own backyards; cleaning up their problematic electoral systems and methods of good governance? Remove the log from your own eyes brothers, before scrutinizing what’s in the other’s eye. There is no one size to fit all cultures. Then, there is that lame excuse that this is the best system we’ve got! Surely those who suffered under authoritarian rules across the world were meant to believe something similar – “It’s as good as it gets”! Why should citizens, anywhere, accept politicians too lazy to work on, either perfecting their own systems, or, still better, work diligently to create a better, more efficient, and just system? If solutions are not found soon, we may become the “late” generation.Filed under: Social Issues, Spirituality]]>10423884_255754587963673_8640660019702876578_nroyfanthomeBrooding on Today’s Gospel (Matt 19: 3 -12)https://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/brooding-on-todays-gospel-matt-19-3-12/
Sat, 19 Aug 2017 09:35:51 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=213Continue reading Brooding on Today’s Gospel (Matt 19: 3 -12)]]>

Today’s content is topical – lines that give substance to our Christian observance of the sanctity in marriage, and our “official” attitudes to divorce and celibacy. Texts, taken literally and often used to strengthen arguments, providing the moral high ground. The lines, “Have you not read that the one who made them (man and wife) at the beginning ‘made them male and female’, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”, are I think, are too often quoted in isolation from the rest of the discourse on matrimony.

With the benefit of history, we find that “cherry picking” sacred texts is a failing in all faiths when making a point. In the wrong hands it becomes a dangerous tool for introducing conflicts among faith groups, and also dissensions within a society. When Jesus makes the case of divorce it is significant. He introduces an exception to the rule. It makes me think, when read along with the reference to Moses’ command on divorce, that Jesus did not intend His exhortation on marriage to be taken as absolute. (a) Like Moses, Jesus seems to be addressing the “novo stiff necks”, who do not accept the changes he proposes (b) A broad interpretation could be “If you follow the letter of the law, the law will not protect you when you lockup your spouse and physically and mentally abuse her”. (c) It seems a paradox that when he offers adultery as a grounds for divorce; he can also show massive compassion to the woman caught in adultery. He shows the same compassion towards the Samaritan woman at the well.

The paradoxes resolve themselves when read in the light of the demanding task Jesus poses; that of being as perfect as the Father. To enter the kingdom of God one need to be god-like. The message resonates through Jesus’ evangelical mission. The challenge is not in the observance of the law, but in the acceptance of our humanity and our reliance on the mercy of God. We need to acknowledge our own sinfulness, and turn to God for compassion and forgiveness. He assures us that though we may repeat offences a myriad times (70X7), He will forgive us. Though our souls be crimson as sin, he will transfigure us, making us bright like the sun. He will do this because He loves us. For this he assumed human form, suffered and died. He deliberately posts the goal very high, so that in the very reaching we return that perfect love. Each discourse is more a challenge of intent rather than an enslaving prescription – Jesus came to set us free not to enslave us.

Prayer:

Lord, I come before you, sinful and sorrowful. Let me not get ahead of myself. If I am bold, I am emboldened by your words, “If I do wrong show me. If not, why do you strike me?” Let your words be ever in my heart to guide and to teach me the way I must go. Let me see you in nature, in the holy scriptures and the faces I encounter on the way. Amen

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone … if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

Today’s passage comes after the parable of the Lost Sheep, which is a lesson on God’s mercy and compassion. Notably, that passage opens with the caution to treat little children with proper care. Today’s text is an instruction on how disciples should treat differences with and faults of their brothers (and sisters). Basically, the call is to treat the offenders with compassion. If reasonable attempts to bring the brother to reconciliation fail, i.e. if he shows no signs of the wanting to alter his ways, treat him as a gentile or tax collector (outsiders).

The sacrament of Penance (reconciliation) hinges on this edict by Christ – the extension of God’s mercy and compassion to His beloved creations. He will give them every chance to repent and recover a state of grace (friendship) with Him. The Church believes that no sin is too big that it cannot be forgiven by God. Though people may offend and reoffend, 70X7 (infinitely), absolution is guaranteed, if the contrition is from the heart. How then can a priest (representing Christ), break his professional oath of confidentiality. It is essential, both for the process of healing, and is a reassurance that the contrition is between the sinner and his savior. What is bound here is bound also in heaven. The Church cannot surrender this sacred duty. Not only priests, but many believers will be prepared to be martyrs in the service of God. A nation built on Christian values and traditions would do wrong to dismantle what is a practice of religious freedom.

Filed under: Poetry, Spirituality]]>10423884_255754587963673_8640660019702876578_nroyfanthomeTo Be or Not To Be?https://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/to-be-or-not-to-be/
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 02:56:19 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=202Continue reading To Be or Not To Be?]]>

The prince is here to make his plea. Every crow in town has heard it. With the lusty mob at the sidelines I have cried, “Hang him for his bad choices.” The courts allow it, the Church allows it and every Australian allows it. So let the show begin.

Both parties are entrenched for a long drawn battle for attrition. For, neither side will flinch away from an unsatisfying outcome at this stage. They are prepared to go to the top courts. Yet. When the battle is lost and won, what then? Will our confidence in our social structures and legal process be vindicated? Will the winning of the holy grail (the golden pound of flesh) satisfy those whose hopes have been amplified? In short, will we accept the umpire’s decision (s)? Can a verdict pave the way for meaningful rehabilitation? Will sullied reputations be restored by true contrition? Will we be big enough to absolve the villains of the piece with, “It was a good bit of copy while it lasted, mate”.

Filed under: Social Issues]]>royfanthomeWinds of Changehttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/winds-of-change/
Tue, 25 Jul 2017 11:38:55 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=200Continue reading Winds of Change]]>Does the Church need to be reformed? Of course. It is natural. The whole of creation is constantly changing; evolving toward God’s predetermined omega point. So, why should not human structures and celebrations keep in touch with the emerging shifts in human consciousness and spirituality. Stagnation is the first sign of a diminishing relevance. This is manifest in the growing “enlightened secularism”, which grows when people, facing exciting world changes, cannot establish a successful religious co-relative. Truth is eternal: it is the movement of facts that confuses and confounds those perilously hanging on to childhood myths and Sunday School lessons.

For all the criticism, the Church is sensitive to the people’s need to establish a link with the Almighty, but, within the environment that is ruled by the new Baal. The attraction to his high alter, based on empiricism, is irresistible. The elite see themselves as being in control of their own destinies, based on scientific facts and technology. It relegates religion to irrelevance; its practice an opium of the masses. In the Sixties, through Vatican Council II, the Church sought to establish its ground for the Twentieth Century. With mixed reactions we have moved on. The Church of today feels foreign to many who developed their spirituality prior to VC II.

We argued our points of view. Some finding that the Church was going too far from its historical roots. Others felt that some were dragging their feet and not implementing change fast enough. The debate between “Traditionalists” and “Modernists” continues today. Dissent is good for the health of the Church and its survival in the Twenty-first century. But, there are emerging social challenges to dogma, the hierarchy, morality and socially accepted values. The faithful need guidance and reassurances. We are fortunate to have a broad-minded Holy Father, who empathizes with the faithful and leads the magisterium in the way of compassion. Grace of the Holy Spirit assures that which is to come is good.

Filed under: Spirituality]]>royfanthomeLectio Divina, 20/07/17https://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/07/20/lectio-divina-200717/
Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:02:09 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=196Continue reading Lectio Divina, 20/07/17]]>In you alone lord I find rest. I labour under guilt of my many sins and offences. Fears fill my heart of time gone bye. Enemies I did not seek, oppress and torment me. By day they harass me and bring to naught my efforts at being myself and your son. I seek only to do your will, yet evil prevails and turns my acts to dust. By night I toss in the mire of my imaginations. Demons seek to destroy me. In my agony I cry, “Lord. I am overburdened.”

One thought only sustains me – “Help me Jesus or I sink”. What is my Yoke, Lord, that I should complain? You took on your shoulders the burden of our sins. For our sins you suffered dearly and died a criminal’s death to save me. Who am I to complain? From you have I received great gifts and wonders. In your presence I have seen miracles and acts that would transform sinners. I am blessed not to deny your wonders. Because I believe you give me rest and lead me to still waters to refresh my soul. Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

How easy my burden Lord when I link it to your yoke. Teach me Lord to be meek and to accept all that comes as a blessing of your loving Father. Let me drink of my cup in sacred memory of the cup you so lovingly and happily drank. May my last words only be, “It is accomplished.” Then would I have completed the job for which I am created – to live in your joy and Happiness for ever.

Filed under: Spirituality]]>royfanthomePlea for Measured Thinkinghttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/plea-for-measured-thinking/
Tue, 18 Jul 2017 22:07:57 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=192]]>Despite some misplaced sentiments and attempts by sections of the media to raise mass hysteria, Cardinal Pell can, and will have a fair trial in Australia. Thank God.Filed under: Spirituality]]>royfanthomeAbout Truthhttps://royfanthome.wordpress.com/2017/07/09/about-truth/
Sun, 09 Jul 2017 13:15:05 +0000http://royfanthome.wordpress.com/?p=186Continue reading About Truth]]>“Truth? What is Truth, said Jesting Pilate and would not wait for an answer.” (Francis Bacon is acknowledged). One sees Pilate’s dilemma: the elders of the Temple stated the truth as they saw it. Before him stood one who was truth itself (though unrecognised by Pilate). He, himself, did not know which side he was on. One thing was certain, it was that his master resided in Rome, and he would do all that was necessary to please him. That was form of truth to him.

In contemplation, one seeks union with the ultimate truth. In the emptiness of space and time one enters into dialogue with the superior being. The exchanges, not always verbal, come as intimations and spontaneousawakenings, confirming or denying one’s comprehension of unasked questions. In this the seeking has thoughts ratified by the One who is at once the centre of the universeand also the sum total of all truth. Faith provides conviction enough.

This is not enough for members living for and through othersin a social environment. Where, interdependence means more than the sharing of physical and social needs, a personal desire for self-worth makes the justification of abstract ideas and opinions compelling.Ratification by peers and respected groups generates satisfaction. To standardiseacceptability tools have been developed to empirically establish the truth of any proposition, theory or inherent material properties of anything. The truth about anything is established only when it registers on one or any of the senses – or the mechanical extensions of the same. This technological group can be as “fundamentalist”, as those on the Faith end of the spectrum. Both are necessary to complete the beauty and rainbow of human sensibilities, progress – evolution.